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Carbon monoxide detectors free for flood-damaged homes

The carbon monoxide detectors were donated by the Kidde Corporation with additional detectors purchased through donations from the Salvation Army and the Northeast Minnesota Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. (2006 file / News Tribune)

Officials have noted that many residents with homes that suffered water damage are reporting problems with their furnaces and boilers, which could lead to deadly carbon monoxide buildup.

The carbon monoxide detectors are available free for flood survivors from the disaster case managers, who can be contacted at (218) 499-9480 or through the Flood Homes With Hope website.

"We want people to be safe, and having a working carbon monoxide detector is one important step," said Dean Minardi, regional supervisor Lutheran Social Services disaster case managers.

The case managers have worked with a number of residents whose furnaces appeared to work after the flood but later discovered that they failed during the intense cold. In several cases, residents have been forced out of their homes by small fires or carbon monoxide.

Experts say furnaces and boilers that have been submerged in floodwaters should be replaced. Damage to electrical systems could cause them to malfunction or catch fire, and there may be hidden contamination in the housing, insulation or ductwork.

Flood Homes With Hope is comprised of several agencies to help flood survivors rebuild their homes and lives after the June rains and floods, operating offices in Moose Lake, Cloquet, Superior and Duluth. They are working with more than 300 active cases to identify the resources to help residents rebuild and repair their homes.

The carbon monoxide detectors were donated by the Kidde Corporation with additional detectors purchased through donations from the Salvation Army and the Northeast Minnesota Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.